by Bill Brewer
Panzer’s worry dissipated, and his look of confidence returned as he said, “This is truly extraordinary, I’ve got some additional ideas about tanking the dollar.”
“Hopefully ones that don’t involve blowing up the US,” replied Javier.
“No, they are financial bombs which will force the government to abandon the dollar. Like you said, once the US is no longer using their own currency, the dollar will be doomed.”
Checking the time on his mobile, Panzer said, “I’m glad this meeting turned out as it did. It’s late, and I’ve got more meetings tomorrow, but I suggest you see Dr. Zeidler in the Medical Center at LPU. She’s got some stuff that will help you heal from your beating.”
Javier bristled at the mention of his injuries. Panzer went on, “Just to have survived a fight with David Diegert is an accomplishment. Now don’t be belligerent, I want you healed up quickly. Go see Dr. Zeidler.”
*****
Before retiring for the night, Abaya Patel checked her e-mail one last time. As CEO of Omnisphere, there were always issues for her to address. To manage the volume of communications, she had an e-mail filter that tiered the messages into three levels of importance. Before heading to bed, she would check only the ones grouped into the critical category.
As an Indian woman in charge of the world’s largest corporation, she knew she was a target of not only the ‘Ole Boys’ network of white executives but also those with extremist views who felt she was violating tradition by holding such a lofty position and not putting her family first in her life. She had to be very careful about how she conducted herself, and her security was a daily ordeal.
The e-mail she opened was from the Omnisphere Office of Technical Security. Tech Sec, as it was known, was vigilant and determined to protect the electronic assets and communication networks of Omnisphere. The constant threats were addressed around the clock, and cybersecurity was a primary budget item that was never denied.
Ken Kindler was a hands-on kind of manager. Being in charge of everything, he always had his butt in a chair and his fingers on a keyboard. Ken had written to Abaya to alert her to an intrusion into the data storage servers. He was concerned because his initial assessments revealed that the intruder was using an internal computer. The hacker, though, was talented enough to see that he was discovered and quickly hid his traces. Ken didn’t feel that any harm had been done, but he wanted Abaya to know, because this type of intrusion was infrequent, and the hacker’s ability to escape detection was very sophisticated.
Abaya wrote back: Thank you for keeping me informed. Please keep me apprised of your progress. I want you to identify this hacker and get him to reveal himself before we shut him down. Set a trap and catch this clever devil. Thank you.
Goodnight,
Abaya
CHAPTER 3
Diegert spent the night with little sleep and a lot of boredom, so he smiled when morning came, and along with his breakfast of eggs, toast and sausage, the young woman rolled in a cart with a large screen TV. She parked the cart at the foot of Diegert’s bed. Placing the tray of food on the table attached to his bed, she rotated it in front of him before unfastening the restraint on his right arm. She placed earphones equipped with a microphone on him. Using the remote, she connected the TV to the network and brought the screen to life, revealing Klaus Panzer dressed in a gray suit, seated at a large desk in a cavernous room with dark wood paneled walls. Panzer was meticulously groomed with his thick gray hair, parted on the right and combed into a compliant sweep of obedient strands.
Diegert’s appetite immediately vanished.
Panzer’s ice-blue eyes roamed the space in front of him as he orchestrated full connection to the TV. Apparently, the image of the medical room with Diegert sitting in the bed must have appeared because a smile spread across his face as he spoke. “Guten morgen, my son.”
“I don’t speak fucking German.”
“Very well, English then.”
“Where the fuck am I and where’s my mother?”
“Your mother is with me, and I can assure you she is enjoying her accommodations in absolute comfort. No harm will come to her.”
“If she’s hurt, you’re dead.”
With a slight chuckle and a bemused smile, Panzer replied, “I am looking forward to getting to know you, David.”
Diegert, eyes narrowed, wanted to tear out the throat of the fucker who called him son but treated him like a prisoner.
“You are my son, but you’re a stranger to me. Imagine, the one man in the world I’ve contributed to creating, and I know nothing of him. How do I build a relationship with such a unique man after twenty-five years apart?”
“You’ve got a fucking twisted way of building trust.”
“Trust. I’m afraid we are not quite there yet. You see, in spite of the fact you are my son, you’re also an assassin. A killer, a man trained to murder. That makes you very dangerous. I find that compelling, but to trust a killer, one must first forge an understanding that accommodates your violent skills and abilities.”
“You want to have your cake and eat it too.”
“I don’t understand how this expression applies.”
“You’re fascinated with killing. You want to be near the action without getting bloody. You’re like a football fan who has never played.”
“An assassin’s fan.” Panzer chuckled. “I suppose I am.”
“Where the hell am I?” Diegert lurched forward against his restraints.
Panzer jolted in response to Diegert’s aggressive movement toward the screen. He composed himself before saying, “You are still in London. This facility is part of the London Polytechnic University. Referred to more commonly by its initials LPU. My father…your grandfather…funded the establishment of this university. This medical facility supports certain clandestine operations that are carried out from within LPU.”
“Clandestine?”
“Yes, but that shouldn’t surprise you since you’re already familiar with the tactical necessities of some of our operations.”
“No, I suppose I don’t need those explained.”
“David, I’m going to tell you about Omnisphere, the world’s largest corporation. It’s a business entity that was established by the Panzer family and which now has joined forces with other individuals who hold large corporate assets within their families. These families have formed a Board that oversees the operation of Omnisphere from a quiet, private position. The Board is known as Crepusculous. Have you heard of it?”
Diegert nodded. “It wasn’t easy to find out about it, but I know about Crepusculous and Omnisphere.”
“Through Omnisphere,” Panzer said, “we own and operate seventy-five percent of the world’s economy.”
“Seventy-five percent?!” repeated Diegert incredulously.
“It’s substantial, and it affords us significant power over world events. We use that power in many ways, including the support of scientific discovery. Creation Labs is a bioscience lab that produces the most cutting-edge work in the world.”
“Like what?”
“Like nanocytic manipulation of amino acids altering the phenotypic expression of the genetic code, directing the structure of proteins for the molecular recreation of living tissue.”
Diegert’s inquisitive look gave away the lost place in which he found himself.
Panzer went on, “Using nanocyte technology, we have grown new organs, like the liver and the pancreas, inside human subjects.”
“Really? That sounds amazing. I’ve never heard of this.”
“Amazing as it is, it’s only the beginning of what we can do by fusing biology with digital technology. Using software to direct gene expression allows us to alter the structure of proteins in ways that change the very nature of who we are. Creation Labs allows scientists to push the limits of discovery without being bound by convention or resource limitations.”
Diegert nodded, and Panzer went on. “I believe the current state of sci
entific inquiry is trapped in its own ethical quagmire. Time, effort and energy are wasted on ethical considerations that stall progress in critically important areas. Fortunately, our private funding allows us to bypass these limits and push scientific discoveries into new and exciting areas like the control of cells through nanocyte transponders.”
“What can you make the cells do?”
“It depends on which cells we’re talking about, but we can alter protein structures, reconstituting their amino acids to change their phenotypic expression.”
Diegert didn’t fully understand, but he hid it as best he could.
Panzer explained, “It means we can change the way tissues appear on the body. We can also instruct proteins so that they will heal damaged tissue. We’ve also successfully used Digi-bio transponders to direct stem cells to form new organs. We’ve created new kidneys inside people.”
The statement held Diegert’s curiosity, because everyone knew there were not enough kidneys available for those who needed transplants. “That’s cool.”
“Yes, very cool.”
“You can help a lot of people with that.”
“Well, not really. We are not sharing this technology. It is proprietary, and we are keeping it secret.”
“Why? You could not only help people, but this would be worth billions!”
“Society is not ready for the advances this will bring. But most of all, the power of having a new and unique technology gives us an advantage that is worth much more than money.”
“How so?”
“Take cancer for example. We have successfully identified tumors in their earliest stages and directed immune cells to attack and specifically destroy the tumors. Then we have reconstructed the damaged tissue and restored full functional capacity. We have done this in the liver, the pancreas, and the brain.”
“OK, again, that sounds way cool, but why not share this?”
“Having your own cure for cancer is a personal advantage that gives you power over all others. Power, my son, allows you to succeed in this world. Everything Crepusculous does is in the pursuit of power. Digitally manipulating proteins to cure cancer gives me power over human health like no one else on earth. I intend to maintain this advantage.”
Diegert looked at the man on the screen and saw a disturbing mix of brilliance and selfishness, yet Panzer’s eyes brightened with excitement as he said, “One of the greatest discoveries the lab has produced is the way in which nanocytes are powered.”
Curious, Diegert tilted his head, peering at Panzer with a sidelong gaze.
Panzer leaned forward in his chair. “These tiny electronic instruments are powered by body heat. For years, labs have been trying to develop batteries on a sub-nano scale to energize their devices. The sheer size of the batteries rendered the devices useless. The scientists at Creation Labs, inspired by the basic technology by which solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, realized that the heat of the human body could power the nanocytes. Sixty percent of the calories consumed by the body are converted into heat, which the body has to get rid of by releasing it into the environment.”
Diegert picked up on this point. “You mean like sweating.”
“Yes, the body produces a constant source of energy which we have harnessed to power the tiny devices which now can direct the body’s functions through digital communication.”
“That’s smart.”
“Not only smart, but it’s also ingenious. Seeing the possibility and then turning the obvious into the practical requires a level of vision that few possess. Creation Labs has made one of the most significant discoveries in the world.”
“And you’re going to keep all that power for yourself?”
“Not exactly. We’re applying this technology to some projects in support of Crepusculous and Omnisphere.”
“It sounds selfishly evil,” said Diegert.
“It’s progressive and revolutionary,” replied Panzer.
Diegert defiantly held eye contact with Panzer. The older man shifted his gaze and seemed to soften his demeanor.
“David, I want to be your father and share all this with you.”
“Fuck you. I don’t even know you, and you have me locked up in here.” Diegert jerked on his restraints.
Panzer shook his head. “I will admit to some perplexing emotions as I react to your arrival in my life. It’s certain that we got off to a rough start, but I believe the bond of family can heal all wounds, and I look forward to being a good father to you. Do you want a father in your life?”
The sneer on Diegert’s face progressed to a snarl as Panzer spoke. The question, though, widened Diegert’s eyes and softened the edges of his mouth. Do you want a father? The question assumed there was a choice to be made or was it that Panzer was looking for him to open the door? If he said yes, on whose terms would the relationship develop? If he said no, would Panzer get angry and destroy him? Besides these practical points, Diegert had to consider what was missing in his life that the guidance of a man could provide? What aspects of himself would be different if he had the love of a father influencing his life? Did he want a father? More specifically did he want Klaus Panzer as his father?
“Yes, I want a father, but I don’t know what that means, and I don’t know if you’re the man.”
“I can understand your doubt and perhaps it is presumptuous of me to assume you are not already satisfied with the man who currently fills that role. How about you tell me all about your dad…Tom Diegert?”
Anger rushed through Diegert, and he scowled. How could he reveal anything but the ugly truth about that awful man? “What do you already know about him?”
“I really know nothing about him.”
Diegert considered the differences between these two men and hoped that Panzer had a real intention to be a father. “He’s a loser. He hates me because he knows he’s not my father. He hates me because of you.”
“He couldn’t see what an extraordinary young man you are.”
Diegert recognized the manipulation, but it was difficult to ignore the emotions such compliments brought in him. “Instead of a father’s love, I had only disdain and distrust.”
Panzer held his gaze from within the screen. “How did he earn a living?”
“What the fuck do you care? You’re just asking because you don’t want to discuss your complicity in my shitty life.”
“You are suggesting that I am responsible for the quality of your life?”
“Right from the end of your dick.”
Panzer shuddered when Diegert spat out his last word.
“Now you want the benefits of a son without having to have been there when I was growing up through every shitty part of my childhood. The guy laying here in this bed is a product of your absence, not your influence.”
Panzer reacted, “My father, your grandfather, always made me earn everything I wanted. He was a strict man and enforced very structured rules within the family.”
“Oh yeah, did use a gun to enforce his rules?”
“What?”
“You know, point a pistol at your head to get you to do whatever he wanted? Did he keep a loaded gun handy for resolving domestic disputes?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t high expectations of behavior and achievement.”
“It’s hardly the same. Poor people have to earn stuff or else they go without. Rich people get things granted to them from those who already have so much. You may think you earned something because your dad made you do some work at home, but try being a kid and knowing that your father won’t give you anything. You have to get what you need from outside the home. It’s totally different, and you have no idea what it’s like.”
Panzer contemplated the severity of that level of poverty.
“I can see I have much to learn from you, David. I hope you will grant me the opportunity to become significant in your life.
“Oh I’m sure you’re going to be significant, but I don’t know if we�
��ll ever be close.”
“I want to be… close,” said Panzer awkwardly.
From a scowl of doubt, Diegert said, “A man who pays to have people killed was never what I hoped for in a father. Your power has corrupted both of us. I have killed in your name and hardened my heart to do so. You have made your son a murderer.”
Panzer looked around the room he was in. His gaze fell everywhere but on the face of his son. Diegert could see the consternation in Panzer’s contemplation. Diegert was getting mad as he wanted his “father” to acknowledge the consequences of his actions.
“Tactical actions are often necessary to achieve strategic objectives,” said Panzer as he flexed his fingers to inspect his nails. “I believe you will come to understand this as we move forward.” Bringing his hands together, leaning forward and looking directly into the screen, Panzer pressed on, “David, there is much for us to overcome, and I expect you to realize this if you are going to be anything more than just a hitman in my organization. You will have to show me that you are more than a lonely, sad man who snivels about every decisive action he has ever taken.”
Diegert was gobsmacked to have Panzer shift his tone so severely. He had no reply as Panzer expounded. “If you want to be something more to me than just an embarrassing bastard, you’ll have to demonstrate your value and succeed with me or cease to be. Soon I will have Avery Forsythe visit you. He is a special operations trainer who will begin your transition here at LPU. Good day, my son.”
The screen went black, leaving Diegert shocked and dismayed. Another threat to his life if he didn’t comply. This time from the man who claimed him as his son, a bastard son! Diegert grew angry, and the sense of wanting to attack Panzer heated up within him. How dare that fucker threaten him and call him a bastard, the label he hated the most and had to bear because of Panzer. If they were in the same room, he’d show him how dangerous it was to have an assassin for a son. This man had so much to offer, but would they ever be able to connect on an emotional level? Did it matter? Should he just play the role of a dutiful son and take advantage of all the riches, or should he force this man to acknowledge the pain he created by abandoning him and later turning him into an assassin? Diegert realized he was stuck in a love/ hate relationship with Panzer. Well, not really love, but curiously hopeful crossed with hate. Could he have the paternal bond with this man that he longed for, or was he going to kill him the first chance he got?